Rotary Moment - Sewing Machine Project

While down in Ensenada volunteering at a Thousand Smiles Clinic, my wife and I were introduced to an interesting project happening in Ensenada that I call our Sewing Machine Project.

We noticed a couple of women were teaching some young mothers how to sew. We also learned that this effort also drew the attention of a local manufacturer who offered piece work to seamstresses who were qualified to do the work needed by their company. Starting with a group of approximately eight women, they started taking on assignments out of their home allowing them to watch over their children at the same time. These women went from dependent to independent with the ability to care for and support their families. The program has now grown to more than 50 mothers. The program touched our hearts in ways that are indescribable. In a poverty stricken country, these women had a chance to be productive citizens, wage earners and good mothers all at the same time.

This program is now being run by a social government organization called Unidad de Atencion a Groupos Vulnerables. They train the women, fix the machines and set seamstresses up with machines when one becomes available. This is where we came in. We wanted to make this program thrive and we have been working at finding used machines to provide to this organization.

We'd love your help! Share in our Rotary Moment. If you or your family or friends have a sewing machine not in use, we want them. There are literally millions of machines in the United States that haven't seen the light of day in a decade or more. Other sources for acquiring these machines are garage sales, thrift shops and even Craig's List. If you explain what it is for, many will discount or will just donate it to you. We have had to pay up to $40 for some, but we will do it because the ROI is huge! If you haven't the time, a donation to the cause is always alternative way to help. We pick up machines as we find them and we also provide fabric, buttons, zippers, pattern, etc. All of it is so appreciated by these women. We will be happy to pickup any machines, or sewing items you may have. Together, we will empower these women to be self sufficient for a lifetime.

Presenting a couple of machines to Groupos Vulnerables. On the left, Ellen Daly who helps train the women; Dulce Gutierrez Men7doza, a coordinator; and on the right, Dale and Lupita Proctor from Route 78 Rotary Club.